FBU members are voting on strike action after a resounding rejection of the “derisory” 5% pay offer. On a 78% turn out 79% voted to reject. The ballot on strike action will close on Monday 30 January.
The FBU’s executive council is recommending a vote in favour of strike action.
Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: “We have firefighters using foodbanks. Our members worked through the pandemic to help protect their communities, taking on extra duties to do so. A further real-terms pay cut is an absolutely disgusting way to thank them. Whilst strike action is always a last resort, our members simply can’t go on like this.”
Due to anti-union laws the ballot is postal-only. Eligible members (all Grey Book members and North West fire control members) whose address has changed, or might be wrong, should urgently contact [email protected]
Members should post their ballots as soon as possible as strike action by Royal Mail workers is affecting postal services.
Wrack said: “I have now written to the fire service employers seeking an urgent resolution by means of an improved pay offer. I have also written to ministers and government departments seeking meetings to discuss this situation, including the need for urgent central government funding for fire and rescue services.
The responsibility to resolve this growing dispute rests with the employers and with government ministers
■ A rally and lobby of Parliament took place on 6 December. Updates will be present on the FBU website and social media channels, and will follow in the next issue of Firefighter.
